CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Channel 9 was with police as they pulled evidence out of a smoke shop in Plaza-Midwood Wednesday afternoon.
After federal officials said the owners of the store and co-conspirators have been charged.
Law enforcement officials removed items from the store including a computer.
Officials charged Sonia Sudhir Thaker, 35, of Charlotte; Imran Yaseen, 45, of Mooresville, N.C.; Gautam Savla, 33, of Charlotte; Jeffrey B. Davies, II, 34, of Charlotte and Poojan Patel, 28, of Charlotte.
The U.S. Attorney's Officer said it was part of a larger joint operation with local, state and federal law enforcement.
Federal agents had warrants to raid 375 shops across 35 states including North Carolina.
Officials said 30 men and woman have been charged in the western part of the state, including the owners of High Life smoke shop.
The U.S. Attorney's Office said they were selling synthetic marijuana and bath salts at six stores throughout the Charlotte area.
Investigators said at least two of those charged owned a company that made synthetic substances containing Alpha-PVP, which is a banned substance.
People in the area told Channel 9 they are surprised. Some are glad and hope a message is sent.
"I think it's a message that needs to be sent. I think they need to frequent a lot of businesses around here that do that sort of stuff," said Charlotte resident Julie Thompson.
Officials said synthetic drug use has been responsible for a rise in emergency room visits, deaths and violence.
The Drug Enforcement Administration will continue to target synthetic drugs.
WSOC
